An illustration of a newspaper outlined in thick, black brushstrokes. Text: Equalize, E-Newsletter

Equalize – April 2020

Welcome to the April issue of Equalize!

In this issue, we discuss the CNIB Foundation's Ontario Budget Ask. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is unclear when the Ontario Budget will be announced. We talk to Jacob Charendoff about a complaint he filed with the Ontario Human Rights Commission, and we learn more about The Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Robyn Rennie tells us about her passion for making art accessible, and Bernard Akuoko shares his story about growing up with sight loss as a young black man. We also hear from an advocate in Northern Ontario about his advocacy journey for accessible pedestrian signals.

-CNIB Foundation Ontario Advocacy Team

Read articles from the April 2020 issue of Equalize

Equalize is published quarterly. Missed an issue? Catch up here: http://cnib.ca/en/support-us/advocate/ontario-advocacy/equalize

More News

April 17, 2024 – Yesterday, the Government of Canada released Budget 2024 and announced that the long-awaited Canada Disability Benefit will start in July 2025, pending a regulatory design process. The benefit will be funded with $6.1 billion over the next six years. 

This investment equates to a proposed maximum of $200 per month for eligible recipients who qualify for the Disability Tax Credit. Further, Budget 2024 does not invest in a strategy or programs that enable people who are blind or have low vision to join the workforce. 

While the passage of the Canada Disability Benefit Act was an important first step, CNIB joins the growing list of organizations and advocates calling on the government to commit to more support to lift people with disabilities out of poverty.  
Together, CNIB and CIRA are making the internet a safer and more equitable place for young people living with blindness.
Sail into summer with a taste of the Caribbean! CNIB is proud to present Sailing on the 6ix – A Night of Senses boat cruise event aboard the Obsession 3. Let’s bring the Caribbean experience to life with the tastes, sounds, and excitement of Toronto’s renowned Caribbean Carnival. Thursday, May 30 from 6:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Get ready! The fifth annual CNIB Guide Dogs Pup Crawl is coming back this year on April 17 and will run for six amazing weeks.
Ready to chase your dreams? CNIB scholarships are here to support your personal and professional aspirations. Whether you're just starting out in a cool apprenticeship, diving into skilled trades, or leveling up with continuing education, there are multiple scholarships, bursaries, and other educational awards available to people who are blind, Deafblind, or have low vision. It doesn't matter where you are on your journey – from youth to adults – a scholarship or bursary is waiting just for you.
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